CFNC 'College works' campaign reinforces benefits of attending a two- or four-year college

Campaign inspires high school college access efforts

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) gears up its statewide "College works" campaign this fall, which will include television, radio, billboards and online banners, its' message has already caught the attention of an eastern North Carolina  high school eager to encourage college access.

SouthWest Edgecombe High School's testing coordinator and college access advisor, Terry Shackleford, and principal Marc Whichard were inspired by a preview of the CFNC "College works" campaign last spring and have worked over the summer to position the school's college-access activities under the "College works" moniker. 

Before school opened this fall, SW Edgecombe staff trained high school juniors and seniors to serve as a corps of schoolwide leaders; a second group of sophomores will be trained to serve as college access peer mentors.  Mentors and advisees will meet regularly to hear from experts, such as CFNC regional representative, Amy Denton, on how to apply to college, learn about financial aid and how to use the free CFNC.org college-access website. 

Shackleford and Whichard are also working with school faculty to assess SW Edgecombe's current college-going culture and on ways to enhance their in-school "College works" program.   Key leaders at N.C. Wesleyan College, East Carolina University and Edgecombe Community College also have agreed to participate in this effort, and Shackleford envisions local businesses getting involved, as well.

"After learning that funding cuts would end our AVID program, we were looking for other ways to keep our momentum going and discovered just the message we needed with the 'College works' campaign," said Shackleford.  "By tying in with CFNC's campaign, we could create some excitement and reinforce our college-access activities under the 'College works' umbrella."

The CFNC "College works" campaign asks if you want to prepare for a better job, enjoy more financial security and even explore the world.   And the answer to achieving these goals is: "College works."

Going to college for a two- or four-year degree is still the best way to increase your chances for steady employment throughout your career.  In fact, a study by Georgetown University researchers shows that the U.S. economy will generate 55 million job openings by 2020, and 65 percent of those jobs will require training or education beyond high school. 

The study also reports that college graduates earn 84 percent more over their lifetimes than people with only a high-school diploma – and the gap will continue to widen as America keeps moving from an industrial economy to one based more on knowledge.  At least some post-secondary education, whether a four-year degree, associate's degree or some type of certification beyond high school is becoming essential. 

Should you go to college?   At CFNC.org/collegeworks, you'll see why the answer is "Yes."

About CFNC

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the State of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college. CFNC is provided by Pathways (the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the N.C. Community College System, the N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities, and The University of North Carolina), the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, and College Foundation, Inc. 

• Pathways, created by the N.C. General Assembly in 1999, is a state-wide initiative to increase the college-going rate of North Carolinians by providing: comprehensive college and career planning resources; electronic applications and transcripts accepted by all 110 North Carolina colleges and universities; and, information on student financial aid and college affordability. Pathways is administered by The University of North Carolina General Administration in collaboration with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the N.C. Community College System, and the N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities.
• The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), established in 1965, is the State agency that promotes access to higher education by administering financial aid and savings programs, informing students and families about paying for college, teaching educators about financial aid administration, and advocating for resources to support students.
• College Foundation, Inc. (CFI), administers a large portfolio of education loans, several major grant and scholarship programs for students attending N.C. colleges and universities, and the tax-advantaged "529" college savings program on behalf of the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority.  CFI also delivers information to North Carolina students and families about paying for college, assists colleges and universities with financial aid services, and provides technology support for CFNC.org.

CFNC offers career and college resources toll-free at 1-866-866-CFNC and at CFNC.org.

SOURCE College Foundation, Inc.